COUR RAGE... Inspiration for Rock Star Retreat

As I sit here preparing for our special annual rock star retreat I’m flooded with feelings, fueled by thoughts/ideas, nudged by experience and influenced by my inbox.

For our time together I’m inspired to find balance between freedom and form, structure and play, loose and tight, wanting the best experience with the highest possible ease.

Each participant will be invited to find/choose their own word

Courage is my word for the weekend, and the theme through our time together.

• Ability to do something that frightens us.

• Strength in the face of pain or grief.

• Strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger or difficulty.

• "the heart as a source of feelings, spirit, confidence” Etymology. Middle English corage

The word Courage can be seen as a combo of Heart (Cour) and Rage. I choose to regard the rage as a healthy fire energy fueled by a state of “ferociously determined”.

Although we plan to not be in any danger during the retreat, no tigers jumping out, no earthquakes or house on fire! when we’re on retreat guests are invited to explore their edges, to seek safe risks. Where participants sustain comfort, ease and pleasure, having a GRAND time, yet stretch some boundaries a little. Like dipping a toe in the water, to explore new possibilities, while submersed in a peaceful get away from home, surrounded by like minded caring individuals, who are walking a similar path, with each person honoring the uniqueness of each person attending the retreat. This is a difference between a vacation and a retreat. Ideally a retreat feels like a vacation AND MORE… something is sustainable is stirred, stimulated, revealed from within, while surrounded by nature, comfort, beauty, dance and joy.

Here’s a poem to inspire the environment and experience we’ll co-create this weekend.

Retreat
In the heart of stillness and serenity,
We gather to explore our edges,
To seek safe risks and venture beyond,
While embracing comfort, ease, and pleasure.
Amidst the grand time we share,
We gently stretch our boundaries,
Like dipping a toe in the water,
We embrace new possibilities.
Immersed in this peaceful getaway,
We find solace in each other's company,
Surrounded by caring souls,
Walking similar paths of self-discovery.
Let us honor the uniqueness of all,
As we journey together on this retreat,
Embracing the warmth of like-minded souls,
And the endless possibilities that await.

Although, as a seasoned teacher and trainer, folks may look at me and describe me as fearless, the reality is I live and experience fear every day. I assess the situations, remind myself there are no tigers and ask key questions like

• what is the worse thing to happen?

• what is the truth here?

• what is the cost vs benefit of this choice/action?

• what do I know from the past, that can help me now in the present, to launch me towards my dreams in the future?

“Nature loves courage.
You make the commitment
and nature will respond to that commitment
by removing impossible obstacles.
Dream the impossible dream
and the world will not grind you under,
it will lift you up.
This is the trick.
This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted,
who really touched the alchemical gold,
this is what they understood.
This is how magic is done.
By hurling yourself into the abyss
and discovering it’s a feather bed”

— Source: Ethnobotanist and mystic Terence McKenna: Unfolding the Stone, edited lightly for clarity, received from James Clear. www.jamesclear.com

Sale

Rock Star Special Event Classes

from $15.00

Special Events:

Select Special Events COMBO: ALL Classes COMBO: Challengers EXTRA Classes Fr 8:00am Blue Monkey w/ Helen Sa 8:45am 5 Stages w/ Helen Sa 10:00am Enigma w/ Helen Sa LUNCH w/ Team Sa 5:00pm Jam w/ Team* Su 10:00am Bloom w/ Rock Stars* Su 5:00pm Look Up w/ Helen* Mo 10:00am Inno w/ Helen Mo 5:00pm SHINE Team* Tu 8:00am Simple Kata w/ Helen

Purchase

Rock Star Special Event Classes

Our Rock Star team of teachers are flying in for our annual retreat January 19 - 22. We’ll be providing special event classes, plus the invite to hang after class, with the option to join us for lunch, on Saturday January 20th.

• Choose options to pay by class ($15-20)

• Save with “All Class” Combo Option ($60-70)

• 30 Day Challengers + Annual Unlimited passes select “COMBO Challengers” for all ($30)

1. IN PERSON (here at Soma Ranch),

2. ONLINE (via zoom) or

3. 24HR REPLAY (request)

Here's individual classes and links:

1/19 08:00am Helen Blue Monkey Fun Friday

1/20 08:45am Helen: 5 Stages Psoas and Sound

https://www.somaranch.com/news/2023/01/20/psoas-and-sound

1/20 10:00am Helen: Enigma
https://www.somaranch.com/news/2024/16/enigma

1/20 05:00pm Rock Star Team Soma JAM!!

https://www.somaranch.com/news/13/rock-star-saturday-5pm-jam

1/21 10:00am TEAM: Bloom

https://www.somaranch.com/news/2024/1/19/rock-star-bloom-sunday-10am

1/21 05:00pm Helen: Look up

https://www.somaranch.com/news/21/dancing-with-lauren-daigle

1/22 10:00am Helen: Inno

https://www.somaranch.com/news/inno-an-adapted-experience

1/23 08:00am Helen Simple Kata

Sale

Rock Star Special Event Classes

from $15.00

An annual epic retreat where our Soma Rock Star teachers get together, dance, play, laugh, learn and get inspired. You’re invited to join us for special event classes in person, online, or via 24HR replay.

You’re invited to “hang” with the team, after the 10am Saturday class. Please consider extending your visit by joining us for lunch. Be sure to book Saturday lunch by noon on Friday (limited to 6 guests)

Special Events:

Select Special Events COMBO: ALL Classes COMBO: Challengers EXTRA Classes Fr 8:00am Blue Monkey w/ Helen Sa 8:45am 5 Stages w/ Helen Sa 10:00am Enigma w/ Helen Sa LUNCH w/ Team Sa 5:00pm Jam w/ Team* Su 10:00am Bloom w/ Rock Stars* Su 5:00pm Look Up w/ Helen* Mo 10:00am Inno w/ Helen Mo 5:00pm SHINE Team* Tu 8:00am Simple Kata w/ Helen

Purchase

Psoas and Sound Jan 20th

This Saturday, January 20th, we will delve deep into Psoas and Sound in both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and then into the Enigma experience with Helen at 10am (US Central Time)

Nia 5 Stages at 8:45am

Enjoy a Slide show during the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class to help you

“The psoas muscle can dramatically change the sound of your voice.
The more relaxed your body
– and thus the more relaxed your psoas
– the deeper the resonance and tone of your voice.”

— Nia 5 Stages

• understand where your Psoas muscle is,

• how Psoas affects the rest of your body

• how you move/dance with your Psoas

• how to hydrate/heal this curious muscle/messenger

Enigma with Helen at 10:00am

Then dance your psoas with sound in Helen Terry’s Enigma experience at 10am.

These classes are triple hybrid. You have 3 different ways to experience these classes:

1. IN PERSON at Soma Ranch

2. ON LINE via Zoom

3. RECORDING through 24HR replay

Enjoy these video clips and photos to give you more a feel for your psoas and get ready for classes.

“So I think I’ve found it. 
How to have a home in my
body. 
Intellectually, I know it’s the next step.... 
Knowing I need to find my home in my body.
(Which I can so easily feel betrayed by). 
There has been no answers. 

Then - to find the psoas -
the instruction to put my hands at the bottom of my rib cage
“as if they were like little wings”
and I wrapped my hands at my mid-back and instantly started sobbing.
I fell to my knees. 

The next cue
- the image and instruction to
place the hands at the inner thigh/groin area -
and a wave of relief. 
And then
- both hands at the neck-
“Like a triangle”. 
And I repeated those three gestures
over and over and over again.
As if I was remembering something. 
Finding what felt like
it might be
Home. ”

— Nia Green Belt Participant/Teacher

Rock Star JAM: Saturday Jan 20, 5pm

We will be ROCKING our teaching team JAM on Saturday, January 20, 5pm. Come experience a joyful class where you get to taste all the different styles and meet all the personalities of our fabulous rock star team.

Sale

Rock Star Special Event Classes

from $15.00

An annual epic retreat where our Soma Rock Star teachers get together, dance, play, laugh, learn and get inspired. You’re invited to join us for special event classes in person, online, or via 24HR replay.

You’re invited to “hang” with the team, after the 10am Saturday class. Please consider extending your visit by joining us for lunch. Be sure to book Saturday lunch by noon on Friday (limited to 6 guests)

Special Events:

Select Special Events COMBO: ALL Classes COMBO: Challengers EXTRA Classes Fr 8:00am Blue Monkey w/ Helen Sa 8:45am 5 Stages w/ Helen Sa 10:00am Enigma w/ Helen Sa LUNCH w/ Team Sa 5:00pm Jam w/ Team* Su 10:00am Bloom w/ Rock Stars* Su 5:00pm Look Up w/ Helen* Mo 10:00am Inno w/ Helen Mo 5:00pm SHINE Team* Tu 8:00am Simple Kata w/ Helen

Purchase

Kellie teaches Bloom, Sunday, Jan 21, 10am.

Kelly Chambers, Choreographer of Bloom

Kellie Chambers was unable to travel due to weather. Instead the TEAM is team teaching BLOOM. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

During our Annual Rock Star Retreat, Kellie Chambers, Nia trainer and the original co-choreographer of the Nia experience Bloom leads a special event class, Sunday, January 21, 10:00am (Central US Time).

Focus: Connect, Sustain, Increase Universal Joy (the felt sense of aliveness)

Intent: to celebrate the evolution of growth

Routine: Bloom

““We will move to connect with joy
as a powerful, dynamic and grounded source sensation
to experience life-force energy
through our whole body””

— Kellie Chambers

Sale

Rock Star Special Event Classes

from $15.00

An annual epic retreat where our Soma Rock Star teachers get together, dance, play, laugh, learn and get inspired. You’re invited to join us for special event classes in person, online, or via 24HR replay.

You’re invited to “hang” with the team, after the 10am Saturday class. Please consider extending your visit by joining us for lunch. Be sure to book Saturday lunch by noon on Friday (limited to 6 guests)

Special Events:

Select Special Events COMBO: ALL Classes COMBO: Challengers EXTRA Classes Fr 8:00am Blue Monkey w/ Helen Sa 8:45am 5 Stages w/ Helen Sa 10:00am Enigma w/ Helen Sa LUNCH w/ Team Sa 5:00pm Jam w/ Team* Su 10:00am Bloom w/ Rock Stars* Su 5:00pm Look Up w/ Helen* Mo 10:00am Inno w/ Helen Mo 5:00pm SHINE Team* Tu 8:00am Simple Kata w/ Helen

Purchase

Select the Sunday 10am option below or Choose COMBO to save and enjoy ALL Rock Star Experiences.

Inno: Mon Jan 22, 10am

10am Monday, January 22, during the annual Rock Star Retreat we are offering special classes ( In PERSON at Soma Ranch. ONLINE via zoom and with 24HR Replay option). Pay drop in rate for this class or choose COMBO package to save and enjoy all public classes during the Rock Star Retreat.

Sale

Rock Star Special Event Classes

from $15.00

Special Events:

Select Special Events COMBO: ALL Classes COMBO: Challengers EXTRA Classes Fr 8:00am Blue Monkey w/ Helen Sa 8:45am 5 Stages w/ Helen Sa 10:00am Enigma w/ Helen Sa LUNCH w/ Team Sa 5:00pm Jam w/ Team* Su 10:00am Bloom w/ Rock Stars* Su 5:00pm Look Up w/ Helen* Mo 10:00am Inno w/ Helen Mo 5:00pm SHINE Team* Tu 8:00am Simple Kata w/ Helen

Purchase

INNO is a movement experience created by Helen Terry, adapted from the Nia Routine Bloom.

An Adapted Movement experience is where Helen plays with the choreography from an Original Nia Routine (Bloom) and adapts the moves to the new music. The new music in the INNO experience is a playlist that evolved from Helen’s quest to find music for the “Return to Innocence” Archetype experience, one of the sessions/features in the Soma Ranch, Authentic Healing Retreat.

“Thank you fellow Nia Teachers for your fabulous suggestions for “return to innocence” songs. I hope you like this playlist.”

— Helen Terry ~ Soma Ranch

Nia teachers out there, are encouraged to replicate/play with the experience.

1. Let the choreography from the first 2 songs of Bloom blend into the first song of “Inno”,

2. The rest of the tunes adapt well, song for song, all the way through Warm up, Get Moving and Cool Down

3. In the Floorplay cycle, improvise your way to stepping out ~ “take it home”!

In Nia Technique we have a wonderful system called 8BCs where we can decode music with a system of counting, noting and distinguishing patterns in the music. Here’s some examples of the bars to this movement experience.

FYI The app Helen uses to decode the song, and structure these bars, was created by her daughter, Liliana Terry. It’s an excellent brain training and music app called “Map My Song” that can be used to decode music and create “bars”.

Available for download at the apple store: https://apps.apple.com/bg/app/map-my-song/id1448811230

Look Up Special Event Jan 21, 5:00pm

Sunday Jan 21, 5pm enjoy the “Look Up” special event with Helen Terry during our Rock Star retreat.

Dance your body mind and soul to the fabulous music of Lauren Daigle.

There will be joyful praise, celebration and we will begin and end with prayer.

Sale

Rock Star Special Event Classes

from $15.00

Special Events:

Select Special Events COMBO: ALL Classes COMBO: Challengers EXTRA Classes Fr 8:00am Blue Monkey w/ Helen Sa 8:45am 5 Stages w/ Helen Sa 10:00am Enigma w/ Helen Sa LUNCH w/ Team Sa 5:00pm Jam w/ Team* Su 10:00am Bloom w/ Rock Stars* Su 5:00pm Look Up w/ Helen* Mo 10:00am Inno w/ Helen Mo 5:00pm SHINE Team* Tu 8:00am Simple Kata w/ Helen

Purchase

I’m in LOVE with Lauren Daigle Album “Look Up Child”. Here’s a warm up I choreographed to the first track “Still Rolling Stone”.

In Nia technique we have a process of matching moves to the music. Through an 8 stage process called FreeDance, we have a systematic guided approach of dancing freely to the music to allows “clicks” to settle.

These clicks are magical moments where, from a somatic (body centered) place, movements match the music, revealed in way that feels like coming from an unknown place. These clicks don’t come from habit, mental thoughts or logic, instead they feel vibrantly “alive”, new and are habit breaking.

Dancing, and riding this Nia 8 stages process, with music like Lauren Daigle, is a most delicious journey. Her lyrics, the soul of the music, the quality, details and structure of each song all contribute to an effortless, most rewarding and enjoyable ride!

There’s also some great modern/interpretive dances out on the internet. They passionately and creatively share and communicate this soul searching music through the body in a most inspiring way. Here’s one of my favorites:

Nia Mantra Routine

At 10am Monday we’re playing with the classic Nia routine Mantra, one of the first routines I ever learned, designed by Carlos Aya Rosas.

Focus: Joy of movement as mantra and a metaphor for self, community, life.

Intent: Seamless continuity with life force energy.

Beginning with sensing the belly (our core) notice how this “moma cell” can contract/extend, bend/lean, figure 8. The Belly is a substance with strength (resilience), elasticity (the ability to bounce back), and fluidity (go with the flow). After embodying the focus in the Belly we expand awareness to the belly of the 700 muscles in our body, then to each piece of connective tissue, the 7000+ cells. All the same mantra of movement.

We sense inward (Body, Belly, Muscles, Connective Tissue, Cell)
We can also sense outwards (Body, Self, Others, Class, Community, Global) and realize it (and we) are one.

The Mantra, our lives, the community continues. We are strong, we bounce back, we go with the flow, we celebrate, there is much love.

I’m inspired by the words of David Foster Wallace, This Is Water

There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?”

And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes, “What the hell is water?”….

….the immediate point of the fish story is merely that the most obvious, ubiquitous, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about.

this first track is super for before and after class…

Glass Mantra 21:24 Silvia Nakkach Ah The Healing Voice

here’s the playlist for Nia Routine Mantra ~ it’s a classic :-)

• Mantra (Organics) 4:43

• Michael Stearns

• Power of Love 5:42 Celine Dion

• Father Figure 5:37 George Michael

• Turn The Page 6:07 Terrence Trent D’Arby

• SkinThieves 6:08 Moodswings

• Conga Te 3:35 CoublePlusGood

• Tied Up 6:11 Yello

• Fractal Zoom 6:24 Brian Eno

• When I Fall in love 4:20 Nat King Cole

• With This Love 3:39 Peter Gabrial

• With this Love - Choir 3:18 Choir

• Wall of Breath 2:29 Peter Gabriel

Soma News

Monthly Cuppa full of JOY, Laughter and Depth.

Howdy! This week Soma Ranch Co-Owners Joe and Helen Terry travelled to Hoodsport WA for a “working vacation” at their new Cabin retreat. Click here for more photos and information. We’d love to share the beautiful gem with you.

Thank you monthly cuppa attendees, we raised $68 towards our annual St Jude Fundraiser and, as usual, thoroughly enjoyed nourishing conversations. From laughter to deep shares, these monthly meet ups are becoming cherished community moments. Welcome Lynda, who attend both class and cuppa for the first time.

Tomorrow, Sunday, Irene is offering a fabulous ONLINE Feldenkrais workshop from 12 - 3pm. Early bird rate available through 10am tomorrow. You’ll receive the link for the workshop as soon as you register, the experience includes a luxurious 3 day replay.

Here at Soma Ranch we are preparing for our fabulous upcoming annual Rock Star Retreat. This is where our teaching team flies in from Canada and around the US to get together AND to share some special public events with you. All classes are triple hybrid, this means you can (1) come to Soma and enjoy the class (2) attend LIVE ONLINE via Zoom (3) receive a 24HR replay.

We’ve provided options to select individual events or sign up for the COMBO to save and receive all class options (create a mini retreat for yourself next weekend ;-)

The Soma “off the track” Black retreat experience, open to all Nia Brown Belts and above, is coming up Feb 1 - 7, 2024. Let Helen know if you’d like more information.

As always please let us know how we may help more. Here's some helpful links:

Off the track Black Retreat

https://www.somaranch.com/events/nia-retreat-brown-belt-coaching-2024

EASE Retreat

https://www.somaranch.com/events/embodied-authentic-solar-eclipse-retreat-apr-2024

Nia immersive Training retreats

https://www.somaranch.com/training-summary

Keep updates - subscribe to newsletter

https://www.somaranch.com/subscribe

Click here for details and full schedule for January Classes.

Be well, with love from

Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma.

And here’s some photos from our Hoodsport trip…

January Feldenkrais Workshop

“In every Feldenkrais class and workshop we work on preventing injury and moving with more grace and power.
This workshop will focus on the stability and mobility required to manage taking care of pets.
So if you walk a dog or bend over to feed or clean up after a pet, or want to feel more stable on your feet and able to respond to whatever situation comes up in your life, this is a great way to start the year more powerfully and safely.”

— Irene Pasternack

JANUARY 14 FELDENKRAIS® WORKSHOP:

Get up and down from the floor with ease and joy

It’s a new year, and the world is opening up! Make yourself more nimble so you can respond to the

possibilities! We’ll use gentle and playful Feldenkrais® explorations to improve your movement so that your bones support you and you counterbalance yourself to feel graceful and light as a feather as you transition.

Both December and January 30 day Challengers and ALL 2024 365 day Challengers receive 50% off this workshop when they sign up by January 8th, 2024.

Sale

Feldenkrais® Workshop Jan 14

from $60.00

It’s a new year, and the world is opening up!

Make yourself more nimble so you can respond to the possibilities! We’ll use gentle and playful Feldenkrais® explorations to improve your movement so that your bones support you and you counterbalance yourself to feel graceful and light as a feather as you transition.

Options:

Select Options Early Bird On the Day

Purchase

Monthly Cuppa for St Jude

Dear Chris Peggy, Susannah, Emily, Diana, Kay, Becki, Lynda, JoAnn and Cynthia

Thank you for choosing to hang out after class on Monday for our “Monthly Cuppa”. We appreciate your generous donations to St Jude, today we raised $68. What a wonderful opportunity to welcome Lynda who attended both class and cuppa for the first time.

Being able to relax, sit down outside, enjoy the perfect Texas weather and delightful conversations was a treat. These monthly connections are very special times. The opportunity to connect, learn more about each other, laugh and support was much appreciated.

We raised $68 for St Jude (our annual fundraising campaign)

“These monthly meetings are very important to me and other people in the group. I love and need the opportunity to connect and appreciate these special cuppas.”

— Chris, Nia White Belt + regular Soma Student

Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, February 6th

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

Monday Classe Brand New Day

This past Saturday we had a technical challenge for the folks taking class on line. Good news is we will be offering a “redo” this Monday Jan 8 at 10am.

The “BND Event” has become an annual tradition for over 2 decades! And we’d love you to join us. Celebrate 2023 and a NEW BEGINNING as we move into 2024 in an invigorating, encouraging and inspiring way.

Enjoy a fabulous music, movement and magic experience, lead by Helen Terry. Come dance to the entire Sting Album “Brand New Day”. This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the January Challenge and receive the class as part of your package!

FOCUS: Seamless Continuity ~ sense connection from move to move and song to song.

INTENT: Your body will feel incredible; a mix of having had a great workout combined with the sense of relaxation gained from a healing massage.

Classes with Helen Terry 8:45am + 10:00am (CT)

These classes are HYBRID = 3 great choices:

1. In Person at Soma Ranch

2. Online via Zoom and/or

3. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the 30 Day Challenge 30 classes, 30 days $99 and receive the class as part of your package!

This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.

And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.

In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience

• your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus

• your mind can learn new and novel information,

• your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down

• your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more

Soma News

Soma Ranch Co-Owners, Joe & Helen Terry

Howdy! We hope you've enjoyed a wonderful first week into 2024. This week Soma Ranch Co-Owners Joe and Helen Terry attended a wedding, explored some local hikes and kicked off the year with some great clearing/sorting.

Helen accomplished 2023 miles in 2023. She has stepped in for her 9th year of “Running the Year”, this program compliments our Annual St Jude Charity/Vegas 1/2 marathon pledge.

Joe and Helen have begun a project to explore and document the many hikes near to Soma Ranch.

Here at Soma Ranch we are preparing for some fabulous classes, events, retreats and trainings. Would you like to visit?

Here's some helpful links:

Brand New Day experience:

https://www.somaranch.com/special-events/brandnewday-2024

30 day challenge

https://www.somaranch.com/news/2024/january-challenge-of-joy

Feldenkrais Workshop

https://www.somaranch.com/special-events/feldenkrais-workshop-2024

Monthly Cuppa for St Jude

https://www.somaranch.com/special-events/first-monday-january-2024

Rock Star Special Classes

Off the track Black Retreat

https://www.somaranch.com/events/nia-retreat-brown-belt-coaching-2024

EASE Retreat

https://www.somaranch.com/events/embodied-authentic-solar-eclipse-retreat-apr-2024

Nia immersive Training retreats

https://www.somaranch.com/training-summary

Keep updates - subscribe to newsletter

https://www.somaranch.com/subscribe

“We have become fascinated with the “new to us” nature opportunities. Over 2024 we hope to explore, map out and report back on these wonderful local hikes to share with guests at Soma Ranch.”

— Soma Ranch Co-Owners, Helen & Joe Terry

Helen is kicking off year with the focus of joy. A lovely way to link from one year into the next, aware of connections move to move, thought to thought, day by day, month by month, year by year. Ring in the New Year with a celebration of the now, acknowledging the past and casting joy into the future.

Click here for details and full schedule for January Classes.

There is still time to sign up and save with Nia sales ($100-200 off Trainings) and Enrollment is open for Retreats in 2024 and/or Trainings with Helen .

Last call to sign up for January 30 day challenge and receive 50% off the January Feldenkrais workshop.

Be well, with love from

Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma.

And here’s some photos from Soma this week. We’ve enjoyed Helen’s completion of 2023 miles in 2023, attended a wedding and enjoyed time with friends in Dallas, explored some new local hikes and appreciated some fabulous Texas crisp sunshine.

Saturday Classes: Brand New Day

The “BND Event” has become an annual tradition for over 2 decades! And we’d love you to join us. Celebrate 2023 and a NEW BEGINNING as we move into 2024 in an invigorating, encouraging and inspiring way.

Saturday 1/6/24 Soma Ranch Co-Owner, Helen Terry, is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am class.

Enjoy a fabulous music, movement and magic experience, lead by Helen Terry. Come dance to the entire Sting Album “Brand New Day”. This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the January Challenge and receive the class as part of your package!

FOCUS: Seamless Continuity ~ sense connection from move to move and song to song.

INTENT: Your body will feel incredible; a mix of having had a great workout combined with the sense of relaxation gained from a healing massage.

Classes with Helen Terry 8:45am + 10:00am (CT)

These classes are HYBRID = 3 great choices:

1. In Person at Soma Ranch

2. Online via Zoom and/or

3. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the 30 Day Challenge 30 classes, 30 days $99 and receive the class as part of your package!

This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.

And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.

In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience

• your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus

• your mind can learn new and novel information,

• your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down

• your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more

Run The Year 2024

Helen has achieved 2023 miles in 2023 with the most ease and the least injury. 2024 is Helen’s 9th year of “Running the year”, This year, the goal is to run/walk 2024 miles before the end of the year.

There are many ways to accomplish the “Run The Year” Challenge:

You can:

• run all the miles (what Helen did the first year)

• run/walk all the miles (what Helen has done most years)

• use all your steps/distance each day

• choose to share the mileage with a friend or 2! (My Mum did miles with me one year!

If you are wondering the math, let us help you… you need to average 2024/365= 5.54 miles a day. The fabulous tracker app, fun T shirts, great swag and facebook group support provide plenty of support. We are not affiliated, or receiving commission for this, we simply love the program, connection and support and would love to share the joy with you. Thank you Natasha Villeneuve for being with Helen for 2023, We’ve enjoyed checking your stats, seeing your progress and appreciated our connection, super excited you’re in it again for 2024.

This yearly "challenge" aligns well with our other important annual goal, to run a 1/2 marathon in Vegas as a St Jude Hero.

“I’ve made the commitment to run the St. Jude Vegas 1/2 marathon, raising at least $5000 a year, every year, for as long as I/we can”

— Helen Terry, Soma Ranch

For more information, and if you'd like to make a donation here's the link: https://www.somaranch.com/jude

January Feldenkrais Workshop

“In every Feldenkrais class and workshop we work on preventing injury and moving with more grace and power.
This workshop will focus on the stability and mobility required to manage taking care of pets.
So if you walk a dog or bend over to feed or clean up after a pet, or want to feel more stable on your feet and able to respond to whatever situation comes up in your life, this is a great way to start the year more powerfully and safely.”

— Irene Pasternack

JANUARY 14 FELDENKRAIS® WORKSHOP:

Get up and down from the floor with ease and joy

It’s a new year, and the world is opening up! Make yourself more nimble so you can respond to the

possibilities! We’ll use gentle and playful Feldenkrais® explorations to improve your movement so that your bones support you and you counterbalance yourself to feel graceful and light as a feather as you transition.

Both December and January 30 day Challengers and ALL 2024 365 day Challengers receive 50% off this workshop when they sign up by January 8th, 2024.

Sale

Feldenkrais® Workshop Jan 14

from $60.00

It’s a new year, and the world is opening up!

Make yourself more nimble so you can respond to the possibilities! We’ll use gentle and playful Feldenkrais® explorations to improve your movement so that your bones support you and you counterbalance yourself to feel graceful and light as a feather as you transition.

Options:

Select Options Early Bird On the Day

Purchase

Monday Cuppa, 11am January 8

Our “Monthly Monday Community Cuppa” event is a fun and nourishing part of our “2024 race Fundraiser for St Jude”

We get together, celebrate, connect and boost each other as we also boost our fundraiser. both in a GRAND way.

Next “Cuppa” is Monday, January 8th.

Yes! our “Monthly Monday Cuppa” connections are WONDERFUL…

Every month, (most often) the first Monday, we meet up after 10am Nia class to connect, enjoy a cuppa and have a grand time.

Coffee, tea, kombucha, snacks and time to hang, get to know each other better, help and support.

This is one of our community events where 100% donations collected go towards St Jude, our “Soma Selected” charity of choice.

Our goal is to raise $8000 for St. Jude. We collect donations at our monthly “Monday Coffee Connection”, Soma Faith classes and Special Events throughout the year.

On Monday entertain 10am Nia Class, then connect with our lovely community with coffee, teas and snacks. We hope you can join us.

We have a great time listening to each other’s thoughts, challenges and successes. We provide support and offer prayers.

Consider enjoying a “double play” with

• 10:00am Nia

• 11:00am Monthly Monday Cuppa

Soma Specials For Nia Trainees

Soma Specials

We love when folks can come to class, dance with Helen and get to know the community BEFORE they attend a Nia Training at Soma Ranch. This helps participants relax in anticipation of their experience and develop a sense of belonging before they even arrive.

Now is a super time to plan for 2024, you can save significantly when you follow these steps by December 31.

1. sign up for a Nia training (save up to $200)

2. book your accommodation at Soma

3. secure your desired room at Soma Ranch

4. receive bonus choices:

• OPTION 1: 30 day movement challenge, 30 classes in 30 days, $99 value

• OPTION 2: $500 off the 365 day challenge

Nia HQ Codes for Sale:

White Belt Training Code: SAVE200WB

Blue, Brown & Green Belt Trainings Code: SAVE100BELTS

Advantages of “Pre-Training” Online Classes with helen and the Soma team

Introduction
In today's digital age, the ability to attend classes online has revolutionized the way we learn and prepare for events. Soma Ranch recognizes the value of offering online classes via Zoom to its guests before they arrive for training. This blog explores the benefits of attending online classes, ranging from convenience and flexibility to enhanced preparedness and engagement.

Convenience and Flexibility
One of the primary advantages of attending online classes via Zoom is the unparalleled convenience it offers. Guests who plan to attend training at Soma Ranch can access these classes from the comfort of their own homes. By providing the option to participate virtually, Soma Ranch ensures that guests can fit some preparing for their training effortlessly into their busy schedules.
Moreover, online classes via Zoom offer incredible flexibility. Whether it's early morning or late at night, with the 24HR replay, guests have the freedom to select the time that suits them best. This flexibility allows participants to enjoy the classes, take notes and learn from the experiences when they are most focused and receptive, preserving the quality of both their workout and learning experience.

Enhanced Preparedness and Engagement
Attending online classes prior to arriving at Soma Ranch allows guests to enter their training with a solid foundation of familiarity. These classes serve as an introduction to Helen, the community (in the Soma room and on Zoom) and quite possibly fellow trainees. By familiarizing themselves in advance, guests can optimize their time at Soma Ranch and capitalize on the opportunity to deepen their understanding and skills.
Furthermore, online classes via Zoom foster active engagement from the outset. Participants have the chance to connect with teachers, participants and fellow attendees virtually, enabling them to familiarize themselves with the friendly, supportive community before even setting foot on the ranch. Through interactive discussions, Q&A sessions, and collaborative activities, guests can become actively involved in their pre-training journey, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Networking Opportunities
Another advantage of attending online classes is the networking opportunities it presents. Guests can interact with like-minded individuals who share a common interest in Somatic Movement. By engaging in online discussions and collaborating with the group and teachers, participants can forge connections and build relationships ahead of their arrival at Soma Ranch. This pre-training networking can contribute to a more enriching and supportive training experience, as guests can draw upon these connections for guidance and inspiration.

Conclusion
The availability of online classes via Zoom in the pre-training phase at Soma Ranch proves to be a mighty asset for its guests. By providing convenience, flexibility, enhanced preparedness, engagement, and networking opportunities, Soma Ranch ensures that guests make the most of their training experience. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of online classes will remain a valuable tool, seamlessly merging the convenience of remote learning with the transformative power of in-person training.

When guests sign up for their accommodation for a 2024 Nia training or retreat they receive a choice:

Option 1: complimentary Monthly 30 Day challenge (30 days, 30 classes) or

Option 2: a $500 discount off the 365 day challenge.

Soma Rock Stars Celebrate 2023

This morning as we, the Soma Ranch Rock Star teaching team, were reflecting on our 2023 year together. We clicked record to share our conversation with you and hope this helps entertain and inspire you.

Soma News

Happy Friday!

Joe and Helen successfully achieved being relatively unproductive over the past week. An unusual accomplishment for the Terry Family!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this holiday season, Helen & Joe drove up to Dallas for Christmas day to connect with the Airhart family for a most beautiful, relaxing meaningful time with loved ones.

Here in Texas the weather has been crisp and sunny. Helen and Joe started exploring nearby hikes.

“We have become fascinated with the “new to us” nature opportunities. Over 2024 we hope to explore, map out and report back on these wonderful local hikes to share with guests at Soma Ranch.”

— Soma Ranch Co-Owners, Helen & Joe Terry

This Saturday 12/30/23 Soma Ranch Co-Owner, Helen Terry, is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am class.

Completing our December challenge of “yes we can” and taking the time to acknowledge the shift towards a New Year, We will learn and explore the Nia 5 Stages lessons of ligaments and tendons, then apply this foundation into experience created by Helen called “Mind the Gap”

During the Nia 5 Stages class we explore the relationship between education and exploration, learning and sensing, with the methodology of Look, Listen, Imagine to bring a systemic grounded guided movement experience. (as usual attend LIVE via Zoom or request 24HR replay)

Monday is New Years Day = no public class at Soma Ranch. enJOY your day with an ONLINE 30 minute 10am class with Helen. Usual class rates apply.

Thursday Helen leads the 10am class with our traditional beginning of the month “Deep Dive”, and next Saturday 1/6/24, is our traditional beginning of the year celebration with the “Brand New Day” experience. Come to Soma Ranch or enjoy ONLINE/24 HR replay options.

With all of these classes Helen will kick off year with the focus of joy. A lovely way to link from one year into the next, aware of connections move to move, thought to thought, day by day, month by month, year by year. Ring in the New Year with a celebration of the now, acknowledging the past and casting joy into the future.

Click here for details and full schedule for January Classes.

There is still time to sign up and save with Nia sales ($100-200 off Trainings) through December 31 and Enrollment is open for Retreats in 2024 and/or Trainings with Helen .

Last call to sign up for January 30 day challenge and bring a friend for free when you sign up by TODAY. Or sign up for the 365 day challenge and bring a friend for free every month of 2024. Sign up and receive 50% off the January Feldenkrais workshop.

And if you are looking at making a charitable donation before the end of the year, please consider our annual St Jude Fundraiser.

Be well, with love from

Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma.

And here’s some photos from Soma this week. We’ve enjoyed eating out, hiking around, fooling about and experienced some magical Moon moments and Sun sets.